Advice from previous students
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Answers to: If you could start Trig/PreCalc over again, what advice would you give yourself?
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Don't fall behind in assignments...it is very difficult to catch up.
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Answers to: What was your favorite part of the course?
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Mr. M's sense of humor (or lack of humor).
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Answers to: What was the hardest/least favorite part of the course?
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Actually doing all the homework.
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Date |
Section & Lecture Notes |
Assignment |
|
No student attendance |
Advice from Previous Year's PreCalculus students
|
Course Organization : Modifications should be expected to adapt to classroom circumstances.
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|
1 |
Week 1
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1.1 Graphs : Intercepts |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 159: 41, 43, 45, 57-60 all, 79-82 all, 86 |
2 |
1.2 Basics of Functions and Their Graphs Relations and functions Functions as equations & functional notation Vertical line test Indentifying domain & range |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 175: 3-37 odd, 55, 57, 60, 62, 63, 71-76 all, 77, 81, 84, 86, 89 |
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3 |
Week 2
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1.3 More on Functions and Their Graphs Increasing and decreasing functions Relative maximum and minima Test for symmetry |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 195: 1-7 odd, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17-23 odd, 36, 37, 39, 44, 47, 50, 51 |
4 |
|
Review 1.1 - 1.3 |
p. 195: 53, 55, 57, 61, 63, 66, 67, 69, 71, 73, 77, 83, 90 |
5 |
Quiz 1.1-1.3 |
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6 |
1.4 Linear Functions and Slope Slope of a line Point-slope form Slope intercept form Equations of horizontal and vertical lines General form |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 213: 1-9 odd, 13, 16, 21, 24, 31, 33, 36, 40, 45, 51, 55, 61, 63, 69, 71 |
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7 |
1.5 More on Slope Parallel and perpendicular lines |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 225: 1-11 odd, 14,15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 27-30 all, 33, 34 |
|
8 |
1.6 Transformations of Functions Graphs of common functions Vertical and horizontal shifts Reflections Vertical and horizontal dialation (shrink & stretch) Sequences of transformations |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 241: 17-43 odd, 53-117 eoo, 127 (there is a worksheet to write answers on) |
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Week 3
|
MLK-No student attandence |
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9 |
1.7 Combinations of Functions; Composite Functions Domain of a function Algebra of functions |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 258: 1-29 odd, 31, 35, 38, 39, 45, 47, 83-86 all |
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10 |
1.7 Combinations of Functions; Composite Functions Composite functions Decomposing functions |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 258: 36, 53, 57, 59, 61, 63, 66, 69, 72, 75. 79, 91-94 all |
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11 |
Review 1.4 - 1.5 |
Homework Quiz [Ch 1.1-1.5] [taken from myMathLab] |
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12 |
Review 1.6 - 1.7 |
Quiz 1.4-1.7 |
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13 |
Week 4
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1.8 Inverse Functions Finding the inverse of a function Horizontal line test and One-to-One functions |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 269: 1, 4, 5, 7, 11-25 odd, 29-34 lal, 39, 41, 47 |
14 |
Review 1.1 - 1.8 |
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|
15 |
Review 1.1 - 1.8 |
Homework Quiz [Ch 1.6-1.8] [taken from myMathLab] |
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16 |
Test Chapter 1 |
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17 |
2.1 Complex Numbers The imaginary Unit i Operations with Complex Numbers Complex Conjugates and Division Roots of Negative Numbers |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 314: 1-5 odd, 7-13 odd, 19, 23, 25, 31-45 odd, 49-59 odd, 61, 84-86 all |
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18 |
Week 5
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2.2 Quadratic Functions Graphs of Quadratic Functions (Standard/Vertex Form & Expanded Form) Minimum & Maximum Values of Quadratic Functions Applications of Quadratic Functions |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 330: 1-8 all, 9-15 odd, 19, 21, 25, 31, 33, 35, 39-45 odd, 46, 47, 48, 57, 106, 108 |
19 |
2.3 Polynomial Functions and Graphs End Behavior of Polynomial Functions Zeros of Polynomial Functions Multiplicities of Zeros The Intermediate Value Theorem Turning Points of Polynomial Functions A Strategy for Graphing Polynomials Functions Writing equations given zeros and graph |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 348: 1-18 all, 19-33 odd, 37 p. 348: 41-61 eoo, 65-71 odd, 112 |
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20 |
2.3 contiunued |
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21 |
Review 2.1 - 2.3 |
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22 |
Quiz 2.1-2.3 |
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23
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Week 6
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2.4 Dividing Polynomials Long Division of Polynomials Dividing Polynomials Using Synthetic Division The Remainder Theorem The Factor Theorem |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 363: 1, 3, 6, 11-15 odd, 19, 21-29 odd, 31-45 odd, 51, 80, 81 |
24 |
2.5 Zeros of Polynomial Functions The Rational Zero Theorem The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra The Linear Factorization Theorem Descartes’s Rule of Signs |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 377: 9, 12, 15, 19, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 33, 35, 37, 39-51 eoo, 52-59 odd, 98, 100 |
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25 |
Review 2.4 - 2.5 |
Homework Quiz [Ch 2.1-2.5] [taken from myMathLab] |
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26 |
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Quiz 2.4-2.5 |
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27 |
Review 2.1 - 2.5 |
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28 |
Week 7
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Test Ch 2.1-2.5 |
29 |
2.6 Rational Functions and Graphs *not covered in Algebra 2* Domain Vertical Asymptotes & Holes Horizontal Asymptotes Using Transformations to Graph |
Test Ch 2.1-2.5 (15min)
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 398: 1-7odd, 9-14all, 23, 28, 29-55odd p. 398: 59-75eoo, 73, 81(a&b), 83(a), 85(a&b), 87(a) |
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30 |
2.6 Rational Functions and Graphs *not covered in Algebra 2* Graphing Rational Functions Slant Asymptotes Simplifying expressions to get rational functions |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 398: 89, 91, 93 |
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31 |
2.6 continued |
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No Student Attendance |
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Week 8
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President's Day - No student attandence |
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32 |
2.7 Polynomial and Rational Inequalities *not covered in Algebra 2* Solving a Polynomial Inequality |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments P. 412: 1-37eoo |
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33 |
Review 2.6 - 2.7 |
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34 |
Review 2.6 - 2.7 |
Homework Quiz [Ch 2.6-2.7] [taken from myMathLab] |
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35 |
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Test Ch 2.6-2.7 [with calculator] Test Ch 2.6-2.7 [in-person without Calculator] |
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36 |
Week 9
|
3.1 Exponential Functions Graphing Compound Interest |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 448: 1-9odd, 11, 17-23odd, 29-33odd, 39-47odd, 48, 51, 52, 53, 55, 61, 63, 65, 71, 94, 96 |
37 |
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3.2 Logarithmic Functions Changing between Logarithmic & Exponential Form Evaluating Graphing & Domain Common & Natural Logarithms |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 463: 1-19odd, 21-41eoo, 43, 46, 47-57odd, 65-79odd, 81-97eoo, 101, 103, 105, 107 |
38 |
3.3 Properties of Logarithms Product Rule, Quotient Rule, Power Rule Expanding & Condensing Change-of-Base |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 475: 1-33eoo, 35, 37, 43, 45, 51 ,57, 67 ,65-69odd, 75-81odd, 103, 135 |
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39 |
Review 3.1 - 3.3 |
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40
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Quiz 3.1-3.3 |
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41 |
Week 10
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3.4 Exponential and Logarithmic Eequations Solving Exponential Equations Solving Logarithmic Equations Applications |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 488: 3-19eoo, 21, 25-45eoo, 47 |
42 |
|
3.4 Continued |
p. 488: 51-91eoo, 103, 107-115odd |
43 |
3.5 Exponetial Growth and Decay, Model Data Exponential Growth & Decay Logistic Growth Models Modeling Cooling |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 505: 1, 3, 4, 5, 7-21odd, 25, 29, 31, 35, 37, 43, 45, 47 |
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44 |
Review 3.4 - 3.5 |
Homework Quiz [Ch 3.4-3.5] [taken from myMathLab] |
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45 |
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Quiz 3.4-3.5 |
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46 |
Week 11
|
Review 3.1 - 3.5 / SAT Review |
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47 |
|
Test Ch 3.1-3.5 |
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48 |
8.1 Matrix Solutions to Linear Systems ~Augmented Matrices ~Matrix Row Operations ~Solving Linear Systems ~Applications 8.2 Inconsistent and Dependent Systems and Applications ~A System with No Solution ~A System with an Infinite Number of Solutions ~Nonsquare Systems(Parametric) ~Applications 8.3 Matrix Operations and Applications ~Notations for Matrices ~Equality of Matrices ~Matrix Addition, Subtraction, Scalar Multiplication & Multiplication ~Applications |
Course Modifications should be expected to adapt to classroom circumstances. online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 892: 1, 5, 7, 11, 21, 29, 35, 39, 41, 45, 47, 49 p. 902: 1, 3, 9, 15, 21, 29-32, 36 p. 917: 1, 3, 9, 11, 15, 17, 21, 25, 27, 29, 31, 35, 45, 61, 63 |
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49 |
8.4 Multiplicative Inverses of Matrices and Matrix Equations ~Multiplicative Identity Matrix and Multiplicative Inverse of a Matrix ~A Quick Method for Finding the Multiplicative Inverse of a 2x2 Matrix ~Finding Multiplicative Inverses of nxn Matrices with n Greater Than 2 ~Solving Systems of Equations Using Multiplicative Inverses of Matrices ~Applications 8.5 Determinants and Cramer's Rule ~Determinants of 2x2 & 3x3 ~Cramer’s Rule ~Finding the Area of Triangle ~Determining if Points are Collinea |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 931: 1, 3, 7, 11, 13, 17, 29, 31, 33, 35, 39, 41, 43, 47, 73 p. 945: 3, 5, 9, 15, 21, 25, 27, 31, 35, 37, 43, 49, 51 |
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50 |
End of 3rd Quarter |
Day |
Date |
Section & Lecture Notes |
Assignment |
1 |
Week 12
|
Review 8.1 - 8.5 |
Homework Quiz [Ch 8.1-8.5] [taken from myMathLab] |
2 |
|
|
Test Ch 8.1-8.5 |
3 |
7.1 Systems of Linear Equations in 2 Variables Solving by Substitution |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 818: 3, 7, 15, 23, 27, 31, 39, 43, 45, 47, 53, 55, 59, 63, 65, 67-71all, 73, 77, 112, 113 |
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4 |
Primary PSAT/SAT Testing Dates (18Mar - 26Apr) |
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|
5 |
7.2 Systems of Linear Equations in 3 Variables Solutions |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 829: 3, 5, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23, 25, 27, 31, 35, 39, 55, 57 |
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25Mar-1Apr |
Spring Break - no student attendance |
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Week 13
|
Spring Break - no student attendance |
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6 |
2Apr |
7.3 Partial Fractions |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 841: 1, 5, 9, 15, 19, 21, 23, 27 |
7 |
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7.3 continued |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 841: 29-39 odd, 66, 68 |
8 |
Review 7.1 - 7.3 |
Homework Quiz [Ch 7.1-7.3] [taken from myMathLab] |
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9 |
Quiz 7.1-7.3 |
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10 |
Week 14
|
7.4 Systems of Nonlinear Equations in 2 Variables |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 850: 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 17, 19-27 odd, 31, 35, 39, 41, 47, 49, 55-63 odd, 81, 82 (zero @ x=-1) |
11 |
|
7.5 Systems of Inequalities |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 862: 3, 7, 9, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29, 35, 39, 41, 45, 47, 51, 53, 55 |
12 |
|||
13 |
|||
14
|
7.5 Continued |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 862: 57, 61, 63, 65, 67, 77-85 odd, 111, 113, 116, 118 |
|
15
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Week 15
|
Review 7.4 - 7.5 |
|
16
|
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Quiz 7.4-7.5 |
|
17
|
7.6 Linear Programming Objective Functions |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 871: 1, 5, 9, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 |
|
18
|
|
Review 7.1 - 7.6 |
Homework Quiz [Ch 7.4-7.6] [taken from myMathLab] |
19
|
Test Ch 7.1-7.6 |
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20 |
Week 16
|
10.1 Sequences and Summation Notation Sequences |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 1048: 1, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 25, 27, 31, 33, 37, 39, 45, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 69 |
21 |
10.2 Arithmetic Sequences Arithmetic Sequences (AS) |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 1059: 5, 9, 13, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 29, 31, 33, 37, 39, 47, 49, 61, 63, 65 |
|
22 |
10.3 Geometric Sequences and Series Geometric Sequences (GS) |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 1073: 3, 7, 9, 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 27, 29, 33, 35, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 59, 61, 67, 69, 73, 77, 79, 83 |
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23 |
Review 10.1 - 10.3 |
Homework Quiz [Ch 10.1-10.3] [taken from myMathLab] |
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26Apr |
No student attendance |
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24 |
Quiz 10.1-10.3 |
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25 |
Week 17
|
10.5 Binomial Theorem Binomial Coefficients |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 1092: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 15, 21, 25, 35, 37, 41, 45, 47 |
26
|
Review 10.1 - 10.3, 10.5 |
Test Ch 10.1-10.3, 10.5 |
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27
|
11.1 Finding Limits Using Tables and Graphs |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 1137: 1, 3, 7, 9, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 47, 51, 67, 69, 71 |
|
28
|
11.2 Finding Limits Using Properties of Limits |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 1152: 1-19 odd, 31, 37 |
|
29
|
11.2 continued |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 1152: 21-29 odd, 33, 35, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49 |
|
30
|
Week 18
|
Review 11.1 - 11.2 |
|
31
|
|
Quiz 11.1-11.2 [on myMathLab] |
|
32 |
11.4 Introduction to Derivatives. |
online homework as per myMathLab assignments p. 1174: 1,3, 5, 9, 11-27 odd, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, |
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33
|
|
Review 11.1 - 11.2, 11.4 |
|
34
|
Test Ch 11 |
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35
|
Week 19
|
Semester Review |
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36
|
Semester Review |
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37 |
Semester Review |
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38
|
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SENIOR FINALS DAY 1 |
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39
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SENIOR FINALS DAY 2 |
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Week 20
|
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24May |
1/2 day teacher institute |
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Week 21 27-31May
27May, Mon : Memorial Day |
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Monday, 3June : last day if all 5 snow days used |
New Textbook Sections & Topics |
2015-16 Assessments [A] [Eberlin] |
2019-20 re-formatted Assessments [Meinzen] |
2015-16 Final Exam mapped to new Textbook Sections |
New Textbook Topics [bold are topics on old Syllabus] P.1 Algebraic Expressions, Math Models, Real Numbers P.2 Exponents and Scientific Notation P.3 Radicals and Rational Exponents P.4 Polynomials P.5 Factoring Polynomials P.6 Rational Expressions P.7 Equations P.8 Modeling with Equations P.9 Linear Inequalities and Absolute Value Inequalities
|
2015-16 Test Ch P [A] - Eberlin Questions to new Textbook Sections [P.4] Missing on old ChP test [P.1] [on old Ch2 test] [P.2] [on old Ch2 Part 2 test] [P.3] [P.6]
|
Updated 2019-20 Test ChP |
2015-16 Final Exam ChP-Ch3 to new Textbook Sections [P.5] |
New Textbook Topics [bold are topics on old Syllabus] 1.1 Graphs and Graphing Utilities [implied] 1.2 Basics of Functions and Their Graphs 1.3 More on Functions and Their Graphs 1.4 Linear Functions and Slope [on old ChP Test] 1.5 More on Slope [on old ChP Test] 1.6 Transformations of Functions 1.7 Combinations of Functions; Composite Functions 1.8 Inverse Functions 1.9 Distance and Midpoint Formulas; Circles [on old ChP test] |
2016-17 Test Ch1 [A]- Eberlin Questions to new Textbook Sections [P.9] // [1.1] implied [1.6] [1.6] [1.6] [1.6] [1.6] [1.6] Missing on old Ch1 test [1.4] [on old ChP test] [1.5] [on old ChP test] |
Updated 019-20 Test Ch1
|
2015-16 Final Exam ChP-Ch3 to new Textbook Sections // [1.1] implied [1.2] [1.2] [1.2] [1.2] [1.2] [1.2] [1.2] [1.2]
|
New Textbook Topics [bold are topics on old Syllabus] 2.1 Complex Numbers 2.2 Quadratic Functions 2.3 Polynomial Functions and Graphs 2.4 Dividing Polynomials 2.5 Zeros of Polynomial Functions 2.6 Rational Functions and Graphs 2.7 Polynomial and Rational Inequalities [in Ch P test] |
2015-16 Test Ch2.1-2.5 [A]- Eberlin Questions to new Textbook Sections [???][???] 2015-16 Test Ch2 Part 2 [A]- Eberlin Questions to new Textbook [???] Missing on old Ch2 Part 2 test [2.7] [on old ChP test] |
Updated 2019-20 Test Ch2.1-2.5
|
2015-16 Final Exam ChP-Ch3 to new Textbook Sections [2.2] Missing on Old Final [2.1] // plot points on complex plane
|
New Textbook Topics [bold are topics on old Syllabus] 3.1 Exponential Functions 3.2 Logarithmic Functions 3.3 Properties of Logarithms 3.4 Exponential and Logarithmic Eequations 3.5 Exponetial Growth and Decay, Model Data |
2015-16 Test Ch 3 [A]- Eberlin Questions to new Textbook Sections [3.1] [3.1] [3.1] [3.1] |
Updated 2019-20 Test Ch3 |
2015-16 Final Exam ChP-Ch3 to new Textbook Sections [3.1] [3.1] [3.1] [3.1] Missing on Old Final [3.5] // modeling of exponential and logarithmic functions
|
New Textbook Sections & Topics |
2015-16 Assessments [A] [Eberlin] |
2019-20 re-formatted Assessments [Meinzen] |
2015-16 Final Exam mapped to new Textbook Sections |
New Textbook Topics [bold are topics on old Syllabus] 7.1 Systems of Linear Equations in 2 Variables 7.2 Systems of Linear Equations in 3 Variables 7.3 Partial Fractions 7.4 Systems of Inequalities 7.6 Linear Programming |
2015-16 Test Ch 7 [A]- Eberlin Questions to new Textbook Sections [7.1] [7.1] [7.1] |
Updated 2019-20 Test Ch7 |
Old Final Exam Ch7-9,12 to new Textbook Sections [???][???][???]
Missing on Old Final |
New Textbook Topics [bold are topics on old Syllabus] 8.1 Matrix Solutions to Linear Systems 8.2 Inconsistent and Dependent Systems and Applications 8.3 Matrix Operations and Applications 8.4 Multiplicative Inverses of Matrices and Matrix Equations 8.5 Determinants and Cramer's Rule |
2015-16 Test Ch 8 [A]- Eberlin Questions to new Textbook Sections [8.1] [8.1???] |
Updated 2019-20 Test Ch8 |
Old Final Exam Ch7-9,12 to new Textbook Sections [8.1] [8.1]
|
New Textbook Topics [bold are topics on old Syllabus] 10.1 Sequences and Summation Notation 10.2 Arithmetic Sequences 10.3 Geometric Sequences and Series 10.4 Mathematical Induction 10.5 Binomial Theorem 10.6 Counting Principle, Permutations, and Combinations 10.7 Probability |
2015-16 Test Ch 9 [A]- Eberlin Questions to new Textbook Sections [10.1][10.1][10.1][10.1][10.1] |
Updated 2019-20 Test Ch10 |
Old Final Exam Ch7-9,12 to new Textbook Sections
[10.2] [10.2] [10.2] [10.2] // [10.1] is implied Missing on Old Final |
New Textbook Topics [bold are topics on old Syllabus] 11.1 Finding Limits Using Tables and Graphs 11.2 Finding Limits Using Properties of Limits 11.3 Limits and Continuity 11.4 Introduction to Derivatives. |
2015-16 Quiz Ch 12.1-12.4 [A]- Eberlin Questions to new Textbook Sections [???][???] // limits at infinity |
Updated 201-20 Test Ch11 |
Old Final Exam Ch7-9,12 to new Textbook Sections [11.2] // [11.1] is implied |
PreCalculus Course Overview : Syllabus, Curricular Alignment, Policies, & Practices
TextBook & Resources :
-
Blitzer PreCalculus, 6th ed.
ISBN 13: 978-0-13-447007-8
Bob Blitzer, Pearson, 2018
-
Graphing calculator such as a TI-83 or TI-84 (any version).
-
Notebook(s) for notes and homework. Each homework problem must include -
-
copy of the original problem,
-
copy of correct solution [often from back of textbook], and
-
include steps that connect the problem with the solution (with explanation/justification as appropriate).
-
Schedules : Day-based & Week-based
-
Monday - Tuesday & Thursday - Friday
Day-based schedule : 54-minute class periods
Wednesday (PLC day)
Day-based schedule : 44-minute class periods
-
7:15 - 8:15am : Trigonometry / PreCalculus [6 minutes for announcements if in-school]
-
8:21 - 9:15am : Java & Honors Java Programming / AP CSP
-
9:21 - 10:15am : AP CSA
-
10:15 - 10:45am : A Lunch
10:51 - 11:45am : Prep
-
11:51 - 12:45pm : Trigonometry / PreCalculus
-
12:51 - 1:45pm : Java & Honors Java Programming
-
1:50 - 2:40pm : Office Hours in A314 Mon, Tue, Fri
-
7:15 - 8:05am : Trigonometry / PreCalculus [6 minutes for announcements if in-school]
-
8:11 - 8:55am : Java & Honors Java Programming / AP CSP
-
9:01 - 9:45am : AP CSA
-
9:51 - 10:35am : Prep
-
10:35 - 11:05am : Lunch
11:11 - 11:55am : Trigonometry / PreCalculus
-
12:01 - 12:45pm : Java & Honors Java
-
12:45 - 2:40pm : PLC for Teachers (no office hours)
-
-
Week-based schedule (if needed):
-
Option 2: Hybrid Learning : 2-3 days per week : one (or two) in-person meetings (i.e. "A" and "B" Days) and
1 day remote.
-
Option 3 : Remote Learning : 3-5 days per week from home
Policy : Grading
Assessments : scores & grades
-
2 types of assessments will be given in this course : non-graded formative (i.e. completion or pass/fail) scores and graded summative (i.e. test) scores.
-
Formative or "completion" scores are NOT graded and are designed to help students and parents keep track of progress and "effort" by the student within the targeted week. These scores are either all-or-nothing scores and include homework assignments, completion of an online quiz, or turning in a program by the due date. Students will be provided the answers (after the due date or completion of formative assessment) to help identify any mistakes by the student for future summative assessments (i.e. tests). While formative scores may be used for Pass/Fail (i.e. up to a "D" grade) of a course, they are explicitely not useful for determining a student's level of understanding of course content or mastery (i.e. not for grades other than pass/fail or "D").
-
Summative (i.e. test) scores are designed to identify what skills and content knowledge have been mastered up to that point in the students progression through the course. Solutions to the summative assesments are usually NOT provided as the scores are NOT designed for student improvement of content understanding. These scores will be the primary determination of grades beyond pass/fail or "D" and are appropriate for comparision between peer groups (peer groups may be in the same class, course, school, state, country, or world-wide).
- Semester Scoresare calculated using the following table:
Semester Score Component | Semester Score Weight |
---|---|
1st & 2nd Quarter Progress Scores | 80% |
Comprehensive Semester Final Exam | 20% |
- Quarter Scores will be calculated on a categorical basis. Each assessment will fall under one of 3 categories with the following weights
Category | Weight |
---|---|
Summative : Daily Work / Project / Labs | 20% |
Summative : Quizzes | 35% |
Tests | 55% |
- Late assignments will given a score of zero (0)...except for unplanned excused absences which will be scored as specified in the student handbook.
- Scores will NOT be rounded up.
- Bonus work or bonus points are NOT part of the course score and will be included ONLY at the discretion of the teacher. Students should not EXPECT bonus points or bonus work...even if it is listed on the syllabus.
- Scores will be primarily based on individual ability, understanding, and accomplishment but there MAY be group work with scores that impact one or more assessment categories.
- Quarter and Semester GRADES will be calculated from corresponding scores based on the following table:
Percentage Scale
(12-12-10-10) |
Grade Letter |
---|---|
100% - 90% | A |
89.99% - 80% | B |
79.99% - 70% | C |
69.99% - 60% | D |
59.99% - 1% | F |
0.99% - 0% | Incomplete |
Policy & Practices : Student & Teacher Responsibilities
Resources : Required verification by student at remote (home) site
-
Internet for submission of assignments and/or downloading of content (i.e. pdf files, online textbook, video recordings, etc.)
-
Computer : laptop or desktop running MS Windows, Apple OSX, or Linux. Chromebooks or other browser-based operating systems will NOT be sufficient.
-
Private Websites with login credentials including username and password :
-
Schoology : https://ecusd7.schoology.com : access to scheduled assignments specific to online scoring and/or grades
-
Online Textbook
: : access to additional content (videos) and scheduled assignments specific to online scoring and/or grades.
-
-
Public Websites that contain "free" content :
-
Teacher website : http://www.meinzeit.com : access to course syllabus, classroom policies, lecture notes & assignments for planning purposes.
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School / District website : http://www.ecusd7.org/ehs : access to school policies and general information
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College Board : https://apcentral.collegeboard.org : access to information specific to AP courses
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Other websites as needed (posted either on teacher website or Schoology) for viewing supplemental videos, lectures, examples, etc.
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- In Seat & Ready to Go when bell stops (i.e. books, sharpened pencils, paper)
- Respectful of Teacher and Each Other (i.e. raise your hand, don't talk while teacher is talking, no rudeness or bad language, etc.)
- The two most important ingredients for success in this class are practice and attendance.
- No eating or drinking in class, 2 bathroom/drinking trips per Semester.
- Maintain at least 3 backup copies of all work. A "lost" or "destroyed" program will receive zero credit.
- Remember that, for every hour spent in class, 2 hours of outside class work (homework/projects) are typical for an AP course (i.e. 5 hours in class per week + 10 hours at home)
Responsibilities while absent:
Notes and Homework |
Test and Quizzes |
Get notes from a peer or online. Read the section and look at examples. Get the assignment from the calendar, web page or a peer in class. Do the assignment, even if you need help come in before or after school for assistance! |
As per school policy you have the same amount of days as you were absent to make up missing test/quizzes. Any test/quiz not made up in the appropriate amount of time will be a zero. You may need to schedule time with Mr. Meinzen either before or after school to meet or receive appropriate help on a timely basis...plan accordingly! |
Policy : BYOD
- TI84 or equivelant graphing calculator with statistical capabilities is allowed.
- Phones and/or uncovered cameras are, generally, NOT allowed because they are rarely appropriate in the classroom except in teacher-approved circumstances.
- Example 1 : Students who intentionally or unintentionally compromise the privacy of any other student or compromise academic integrity or validity of a test or quiz by their behavior may expect a zero and, possibly, a referal for further consequences. This includes having a personal camera (i.e. smartphone/BYOD device) out while ANY assessment is in the classroom (not just their own assessment).
- Example 2 : A student who turns in their test and then takes out their smartphone (i.e. camera)for their own reason (i.e. listen to music) while other students are still working on their tests may expect to receive a zero on their test. As well, a student taking pictures of teacher's notes on the board--without teacher approval--will not likely retain/learn of concepts and may be invading the privacy of other students (white boards are highly reflective). Generally, if the teacher is taking the time to hand-write notes on the board, then students should put in the effort to copy the notes.
- Example 3 : A teacher-approved manner may occur if a course-appropriate website is blocked but is accessible via cell phone (i.e. cell tower versus wifi), the teacher may allow temporary access to that website to complete assignment.
- Example 4 : A student may have an identified disability that requires them to take pictures of the board in order to expand the image to very large size due to their visual disability.
Practices : Tardies and Absences
- Attendance is the responsibility of the student and their parents/guardian.
- Parents/Guardian may be contacted the next day via phone or email to inform them of any absences or student issues.
- First two tardies result in warnings, 3rd tardy is after school detention, 4th is Saturday detention, subsequent are suspensions.
- If you have an excused absence, you will be allowed to make up your work for full credit by the same number of days you were consecutively absent.
- Unexcused absences follow the same procedure as excused absence; however, you will only receive 50% of the grade you earn.
- Refer to the school attendance policy for complete details on excused and unexcused absences and make-up work.
Practices : Teacher Discipline
- I expect students to be respectful to each other and their teacher. Refer to the student handbook if you have questions.
- Students are expected to take notes, ask questions, and work consistently and continuously the entire class period.
- If problems occur in the class the discipline plan, in general, is:
- Verbal warning (may include "1 minute after class delayed dismissal" or "15 minute after school mini-detention")
- After school detention
- Referral to the dean
- Parents called or e-mailed
- any student caught downloading and installing a program on the computers without Mr. Meinzen's consent will receive a referral to the administration and possible 5-day suspension
Course Resources
- Notes & Other Lectures
- worksheets - Kuta Software provides additional practice with answers
- website - Wolfram Alpha provides technical solutions to a variety of math problems
- Coursework on a variety of university-level topics -courtesy of Academic Earth